The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for...The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for the past two decades. Store-operated Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the sole pathway for Ca2+ entry following antigen-receptor engagement. In a set of breakthrough studies over the past two years, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1, the ER Ca2+ sensor) and Orai1 (a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel) have been identified. Here we review these recent studies and the insights they provide into the mechanism of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs).展开更多
AIM: To investigate the characteristics of slow electrical waves and the presence of transient receptor potential melastatin-type 7 (TRPM7) in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. METHODS: Conventional microel...AIM: To investigate the characteristics of slow electrical waves and the presence of transient receptor potential melastatin-type 7 (TRPM7) in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. METHODS: Conventional microelectrode techniques were used to record intracellular electrical responses from human GI smooth muscle tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify TRPM7 channels in interstitial cells of Cajat (ICCs). RESULTS: The human GI tract generated slow electrical waves and had ICCs which functioned as pacemak er cells. Flufenamic acid, a nonselective cation channel blocker, and 2-APB (2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) and La3+, TRPM7 channel blockers, inhibited the slowwaves. Also, TRPM7 channels were expressed in ICCs in human tissue. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the human GI tract generates slow waves and that TRPM7 channels expressed in the ICCs may be involved in the gen- eration of the slow waves.展开更多
AIM: To assess the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels in regu- lating the excitability of vagal and spinal gut afferents. METHODS: The mechanosensory response of mese...AIM: To assess the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels in regu- lating the excitability of vagal and spinal gut afferents. METHODS: The mechanosensory response of mesen- teric afferent activity was measured in an ex vivo murine jejunum preparation. HCN channel activity was recorded through voltage and current clamp in acutely dissoci- ated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and nodose ganglia (NG) neurons retrogradely labeled from the small intestine through injection of a fluorescent marker (DiI). The isoforms of HCN channels expressed in DRG and NG neurons were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ramp distension of the small intestine evok- ed biphasic increases in the afferent nerve activity, re- flecting the activation of low- and high-threshold fibers.HCN blocker CsCl (5 mmol/L) preferentially inhibited the responses of low-threshold fibers to distension and showed no significant effects on the high-threshold re- sponses. The effect of CsCI was mimicked by the more selective HCN blocker ZD7288 (10 ~mol/L). In 71.4% of DiI labeled DRG neurons (/7 = 20) and 90.9% of DiI labeled NG neurons (n = 10), an inward current (Ih current) was evoked by hyperpolarization pulses which was fully eliminated by extracellular CsCI. In neurons expressing Ih current, a typical "sag" was observed upon injection of hyperpolarizing current pulses in cur- rent-clamp recordings. CsCI abolished the sag entirely. In some DiI labeled DRG neurons, the Ih current was potentiated by 8-Br-cAMP, which had no effect on the Ih current of DiI labeled NG neurons. Immunohistochem- istry revealed differential expression of HCN isoforms in vagal and spinal afferents, and HCN2 and HCN3 seemed to be the dominant isoform in DRG and NG, respec- tively.CONCLUSION: HCNs differentially regulate the excit- ability of vagal and spinal afferent of murine small in- testine.展开更多
Laser spark obtained by using a conical optics is much more appropriate to form conducting channels in atmosphere. Only two types of lasers are actively considered to be used in forming high-conductivity channels in a...Laser spark obtained by using a conical optics is much more appropriate to form conducting channels in atmosphere. Only two types of lasers are actively considered to be used in forming high-conductivity channels in atmosphere, controlled by laser spark: pulsed sub-microsecond gas and chemical lasers (CO2, DF (deuterium fluoride)), short pulse solid-state and UV (ultraviolet) lasers. Main advantage of short pulse lasers is their ability in forming of super long ionized channels with a characteristic diameter of- 100 mm in atmosphere along the beam propagation direction. At estimated electron densities below 1,016 cm3 in these filaments and laser wavelengths in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm, the plasma barely absorbs laser radiation. In this case, the length of the track composed of many filaments is determined by the laser intensity and may reach many kilometers at a femtosecond pulse energy of-100 mJ. However, these lasers could not be used to form high-conductivity long channels in atmosphere. The ohmic resistance of this type a conducting channels turned out to be very high, and the gas in the channels could not be strongly heated (〈 1 J). An electric breakdown controlled by radiation of femtosecond solid-state laser was implemented in only at a length of 3 m with a voltage of 2 MV across the discharge gap (670 kV/m). Not so long ago scientific group from P.N. Lebedev physical institute has improved that result, the discharge gap (-1m) had been broken under KrF laser irradiation when switching high-voltage (up to 390 kV/m) electric discharge by 100-ns UV pulses. Our previous result -16 m long conducting channel controlled by a laser spark at the voltage -3 MV was obtained more than 20 years ago in Russia and Japan by using pulsed CO2 laser with energy -0.5 kJ. An average electric field strength was 〈 190 kV/m. It is still too much for efficient applications.展开更多
Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides(MXenes)have superhydrophilic surfaces and superior metal conductivity,making them competitive in the field of electrochemical energy storage.However,MXenes with layered struct...Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides(MXenes)have superhydrophilic surfaces and superior metal conductivity,making them competitive in the field of electrochemical energy storage.However,MXenes with layered structures are easily stackable,which reduces the ion accessibility and transport paths,thus limiting their electrochemical performance.To fully exploit the advantages of MXenes in electrochemical energy storage,this study reports the etching of large-sized MXene into nanosheets with nanoscale ion channels via a chemical oxidation method.While the resulting ion-channel MXene electrodes retain the excellent mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of large-sized MXene nanosheets,they can effectively shorten the ion transport distance and improve the overall electrochemical activity.The fabricated self-healing MXene-based zinc-ion microcapacitor exhibits a high areal specific capacitance(532.8 mF cm^(-2))at the current density of 2mA cm^(-2),a low self-discharge rate(4.4 mV h^(-1)),and high energy density of 145.1μWh cm^(-2)at the power density of 2800μW cm^(-2).The proposed nanoscale ion channel structure provides an alternative strategy for constructing high-performance electrochemical energy storage electrodes,and has great application prospects in the fields of electrochemical energy storage and flexible electronics.展开更多
Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to the abundance of potassium and its chemical similarity to lithium.Nevertheless,the performances of KIBs are still unsatisfa...Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to the abundance of potassium and its chemical similarity to lithium.Nevertheless,the performances of KIBs are still unsatisfactory for practical applications,mainly hindered by the lack of suitable cathode materials.Herein,combining the strong inductive effect of sulphate and the feasible preparation of Fe^(2+)-containing compounds in oxalate system,a compound with novel architecture,K_(4)Fe_(3)(C_(2)O_(4))_(3)(SO_(4))_(2),has been identified as a lowcost and environmentally friendly cathode for stable potassium-ion storage.Its unique crystal structure possesses an unprecedented two-dimensional framework of triple layers,with 3.379Åinterlayer distance and large intralayer rings in the size of 4.576×6.846Å.According to first-principles simulations,such a configuration is favorable for reversible K-ion migration with a very low volume change of 6.4%.Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectra and X-ray diffraction characterizations at different charging/discharging states and electrochemical performances based on its half and full cells further verify its excellent reversibility and structural stability.Although its performance needs to be improved via further composition tuning with multi-valent transition metals,doping,structural optimization,etc.,this study clearly presents a stable structural model for K-ion cathodes with merits of low cost and environmental friendliness.展开更多
Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated and cation-nonselective ion channels (lh channels, or HCN channels) are known to play important roles in mammals. Their physiological functions in invertebrate re...Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated and cation-nonselective ion channels (lh channels, or HCN channels) are known to play important roles in mammals. Their physiological functions in invertebrate remain largely unclear. Here, we re- port our studies with lh channel in Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila lh channel mutants are found with several defects by behavioral analyses. Their lifespan is reduced, and their chemical sensitivity is shifted. In addition, their length of sleep at light-dark condition is mildly reduced. We generated transgenic flies of lh promoter-driven Gal4 and examined its expression pattern in both larvae and adult flies. Our results suggest that Ih channel may play diverse roles in Drosophila and provide a basis to further expand our understanding of Drosophila Ih channel function in vivo.展开更多
文摘The activation of Ca2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for the past two decades. Store-operated Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the sole pathway for Ca2+ entry following antigen-receptor engagement. In a set of breakthrough studies over the past two years, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1, the ER Ca2+ sensor) and Orai1 (a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel) have been identified. Here we review these recent studies and the insights they provide into the mechanism of store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs).
基金Supported by The Creative Research Initiative Center for Bio-Artificial Muscle of the Ministry of Education,Science and Technology (MEST) in Korea
文摘AIM: To investigate the characteristics of slow electrical waves and the presence of transient receptor potential melastatin-type 7 (TRPM7) in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. METHODS: Conventional microelectrode techniques were used to record intracellular electrical responses from human GI smooth muscle tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify TRPM7 channels in interstitial cells of Cajat (ICCs). RESULTS: The human GI tract generated slow electrical waves and had ICCs which functioned as pacemak er cells. Flufenamic acid, a nonselective cation channel blocker, and 2-APB (2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate) and La3+, TRPM7 channel blockers, inhibited the slowwaves. Also, TRPM7 channels were expressed in ICCs in human tissue. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the human GI tract generates slow waves and that TRPM7 channels expressed in the ICCs may be involved in the gen- eration of the slow waves.
基金Supported by Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality,No. 10ZR1417300Educational Commission of Shanghai Municipality,No. 10ZZ69
文摘AIM: To assess the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels in regu- lating the excitability of vagal and spinal gut afferents. METHODS: The mechanosensory response of mesen- teric afferent activity was measured in an ex vivo murine jejunum preparation. HCN channel activity was recorded through voltage and current clamp in acutely dissoci- ated dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and nodose ganglia (NG) neurons retrogradely labeled from the small intestine through injection of a fluorescent marker (DiI). The isoforms of HCN channels expressed in DRG and NG neurons were examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Ramp distension of the small intestine evok- ed biphasic increases in the afferent nerve activity, re- flecting the activation of low- and high-threshold fibers.HCN blocker CsCl (5 mmol/L) preferentially inhibited the responses of low-threshold fibers to distension and showed no significant effects on the high-threshold re- sponses. The effect of CsCI was mimicked by the more selective HCN blocker ZD7288 (10 ~mol/L). In 71.4% of DiI labeled DRG neurons (/7 = 20) and 90.9% of DiI labeled NG neurons (n = 10), an inward current (Ih current) was evoked by hyperpolarization pulses which was fully eliminated by extracellular CsCI. In neurons expressing Ih current, a typical "sag" was observed upon injection of hyperpolarizing current pulses in cur- rent-clamp recordings. CsCI abolished the sag entirely. In some DiI labeled DRG neurons, the Ih current was potentiated by 8-Br-cAMP, which had no effect on the Ih current of DiI labeled NG neurons. Immunohistochem- istry revealed differential expression of HCN isoforms in vagal and spinal afferents, and HCN2 and HCN3 seemed to be the dominant isoform in DRG and NG, respec- tively.CONCLUSION: HCNs differentially regulate the excit- ability of vagal and spinal afferent of murine small in- testine.
文摘Laser spark obtained by using a conical optics is much more appropriate to form conducting channels in atmosphere. Only two types of lasers are actively considered to be used in forming high-conductivity channels in atmosphere, controlled by laser spark: pulsed sub-microsecond gas and chemical lasers (CO2, DF (deuterium fluoride)), short pulse solid-state and UV (ultraviolet) lasers. Main advantage of short pulse lasers is their ability in forming of super long ionized channels with a characteristic diameter of- 100 mm in atmosphere along the beam propagation direction. At estimated electron densities below 1,016 cm3 in these filaments and laser wavelengths in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm, the plasma barely absorbs laser radiation. In this case, the length of the track composed of many filaments is determined by the laser intensity and may reach many kilometers at a femtosecond pulse energy of-100 mJ. However, these lasers could not be used to form high-conductivity long channels in atmosphere. The ohmic resistance of this type a conducting channels turned out to be very high, and the gas in the channels could not be strongly heated (〈 1 J). An electric breakdown controlled by radiation of femtosecond solid-state laser was implemented in only at a length of 3 m with a voltage of 2 MV across the discharge gap (670 kV/m). Not so long ago scientific group from P.N. Lebedev physical institute has improved that result, the discharge gap (-1m) had been broken under KrF laser irradiation when switching high-voltage (up to 390 kV/m) electric discharge by 100-ns UV pulses. Our previous result -16 m long conducting channel controlled by a laser spark at the voltage -3 MV was obtained more than 20 years ago in Russia and Japan by using pulsed CO2 laser with energy -0.5 kJ. An average electric field strength was 〈 190 kV/m. It is still too much for efficient applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51871104,12204010,and 52272177)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2019kfy RCPY074)the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(2008085QA27,2008085QA41)。
文摘Two-dimensional transition-metal carbides(MXenes)have superhydrophilic surfaces and superior metal conductivity,making them competitive in the field of electrochemical energy storage.However,MXenes with layered structures are easily stackable,which reduces the ion accessibility and transport paths,thus limiting their electrochemical performance.To fully exploit the advantages of MXenes in electrochemical energy storage,this study reports the etching of large-sized MXene into nanosheets with nanoscale ion channels via a chemical oxidation method.While the resulting ion-channel MXene electrodes retain the excellent mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of large-sized MXene nanosheets,they can effectively shorten the ion transport distance and improve the overall electrochemical activity.The fabricated self-healing MXene-based zinc-ion microcapacitor exhibits a high areal specific capacitance(532.8 mF cm^(-2))at the current density of 2mA cm^(-2),a low self-discharge rate(4.4 mV h^(-1)),and high energy density of 145.1μWh cm^(-2)at the power density of 2800μW cm^(-2).The proposed nanoscale ion channel structure provides an alternative strategy for constructing high-performance electrochemical energy storage electrodes,and has great application prospects in the fields of electrochemical energy storage and flexible electronics.
基金financial supports from the Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (2019B090914003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51822210,51972329 and 51902339)+2 种基金Shenzhen Science and Technology Planning Project (JCYJ20190807172001755 and JCYJ20180507182512042)SIAT Innovation Program for Excellent Young Researchers (201811 and 201825)the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province (2019A1515110975 and 2019A1515011902)。
文摘Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to the abundance of potassium and its chemical similarity to lithium.Nevertheless,the performances of KIBs are still unsatisfactory for practical applications,mainly hindered by the lack of suitable cathode materials.Herein,combining the strong inductive effect of sulphate and the feasible preparation of Fe^(2+)-containing compounds in oxalate system,a compound with novel architecture,K_(4)Fe_(3)(C_(2)O_(4))_(3)(SO_(4))_(2),has been identified as a lowcost and environmentally friendly cathode for stable potassium-ion storage.Its unique crystal structure possesses an unprecedented two-dimensional framework of triple layers,with 3.379Åinterlayer distance and large intralayer rings in the size of 4.576×6.846Å.According to first-principles simulations,such a configuration is favorable for reversible K-ion migration with a very low volume change of 6.4%.Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectra and X-ray diffraction characterizations at different charging/discharging states and electrochemical performances based on its half and full cells further verify its excellent reversibility and structural stability.Although its performance needs to be improved via further composition tuning with multi-valent transition metals,doping,structural optimization,etc.,this study clearly presents a stable structural model for K-ion cathodes with merits of low cost and environmental friendliness.
文摘Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated and cation-nonselective ion channels (lh channels, or HCN channels) are known to play important roles in mammals. Their physiological functions in invertebrate remain largely unclear. Here, we re- port our studies with lh channel in Drosophila melanogaster. Drosophila lh channel mutants are found with several defects by behavioral analyses. Their lifespan is reduced, and their chemical sensitivity is shifted. In addition, their length of sleep at light-dark condition is mildly reduced. We generated transgenic flies of lh promoter-driven Gal4 and examined its expression pattern in both larvae and adult flies. Our results suggest that Ih channel may play diverse roles in Drosophila and provide a basis to further expand our understanding of Drosophila Ih channel function in vivo.