A Little Deeper Insight
Last week I discussed just how far and how important molecular biology is. So, I've decided that from here on out, I will discuss some more advances in the field that I find particularly interesting. This week, I found an article that discusses how scientists revealed some new insights on the structure of the integrin-laminin interaction.
Okay, at first I didn't know what the integrin-laminin interaction was either, so I did further research. Integrins are "transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion". Laminins, on the other hand, are proteins of the extracellular matrix that are a very key component of the basal lamina. So, both integrins and laminin involve the extracellular matrix. Together, they help the cell function by allowing differentiation to occur. The integrity is a receptor for the laminin and this interaction has just been cleared up just a little bit more.
In an article previewed on sciencedaily.com, a group of Japanese scientists were able to pinpoint exactly where a specific laminin, laminin 511, interacted with its integrins. These scientists were interested in laminin 511, specifically, because it is found at the embryonic stage of development and continues to persist throughout life. Their previous work showed them that the "glutamic acid residue in the third position from the C-terminus of the gamma chain was crucial for integrin binding", but they were unsure if the reside promoted an active LG1-3 conformation or if it interacted directly with the integrin. So, they set up an experiment to observe the fragment of laminin 511 using electron microscopy. Their results showed that the glutamic acid coordinates with a metal ion-dependent adhesion site of integrin. This argues that the gamma chain directly interacts with integrin which stabilizes the interaction between the two.
Understanding these interactions, and similar interactions helps us move further in the sciences. The more we understand how processes interact, the easier we can understand the body as a whole and possibly discover life changing information.
Molecular biology continues to be a driving force in the sciences, but that is all for this week. Tune in next week for more molecular biology!
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170907103832.htm
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrin
Okay, at first I didn't know what the integrin-laminin interaction was either, so I did further research. Integrins are "transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion". Laminins, on the other hand, are proteins of the extracellular matrix that are a very key component of the basal lamina. So, both integrins and laminin involve the extracellular matrix. Together, they help the cell function by allowing differentiation to occur. The integrity is a receptor for the laminin and this interaction has just been cleared up just a little bit more.
In an article previewed on sciencedaily.com, a group of Japanese scientists were able to pinpoint exactly where a specific laminin, laminin 511, interacted with its integrins. These scientists were interested in laminin 511, specifically, because it is found at the embryonic stage of development and continues to persist throughout life. Their previous work showed them that the "glutamic acid residue in the third position from the C-terminus of the gamma chain was crucial for integrin binding", but they were unsure if the reside promoted an active LG1-3 conformation or if it interacted directly with the integrin. So, they set up an experiment to observe the fragment of laminin 511 using electron microscopy. Their results showed that the glutamic acid coordinates with a metal ion-dependent adhesion site of integrin. This argues that the gamma chain directly interacts with integrin which stabilizes the interaction between the two.
Understanding these interactions, and similar interactions helps us move further in the sciences. The more we understand how processes interact, the easier we can understand the body as a whole and possibly discover life changing information.
Molecular biology continues to be a driving force in the sciences, but that is all for this week. Tune in next week for more molecular biology!
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/09/170907103832.htm
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrin
I like your post because it illustrated how science has advanced overtime time through the use of molecular biology. Before reading i had only a vague understanding what integrin-laminin interactions were but now i am more informed. As i stated in my post last week, I find it interesting how many different realms of science contribute in the advancements of others.
ReplyDeleteIn the future, you may want to avoid using science daily as a source. What science daily does is essentially the same as what you are trying to do...explain a recent advance in science to a broad audience (which you've done well here). It's hard to build on what they've already done. Maybe browse some of the more important primary journals for source materials.
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