Increasing salinity is a worldwide problem, but the knowledge on how salt enters the roots of plants remains largely unknown. Non-selective cation channels (NSCCs) have been suggested to be the major pathway for the entry of sodium ions (Na+) in several species. The hypothesis tested in this research is that PQ loop (PQL) proteins could form NSCCs, mediate some of the Na+ influx into the root and contribute to ion accumulation and the inhibition of growth in saline conditions. This is based on previous preliminary evidence indicating similarities in the properties of NSCC currents and currents mediated by PQL proteins, such as the inhibition of an inward cation current mediated by PQL proteins by high external calcium and pH acidification. PQL family members belonging to clade one in Arabidopsis and barley were characterized using a reverse genetics approach, electrophysiology and high-throughput phenotyping. Expression of AtPQL1a and HvPQL1 in HEK293 cells increased Na+ and K+ inward currents in whole cell membranes. However, when GFP-tagged PQL proteins were transiently overexpressed in tobacco leaf cells, the proteins appeared to localize to intracellular membrane structures. Based on q-RT-PCR, the levels of mRNA of AtPQL1a, AtPQL1b and AtPQL1c is higher in salt stressed plants compared to control plants in the shoot tissue, while the mRNA levels in the root tissue did not change in response to stress. Salt stress responses of lines with altered expression of AtPQL1a, AtPQL1b and AtPQL1c were examined using RGB and chlorophyll fluorescence imaging of plants growing in soil in a controlled environment chamber. Decreases in the levels of expression of AtPQL1a, AtPQL1b and AtPQL1c resulted in larger rosettes, when measured seven days after salt stress imposition. Interestingly, overexpression of AtPQL1a also resulted in plants having larger rosettes in salt stress conditions. Differences between the mutants and the wild-type plants were not observed at earlier stages, suggesting that PQLs might be involved in long-term responses to salt stress. These results contribute towards a better understanding of the role of PQLs in salinity tolerance and provide new targets for crop improvement.

Charge transport and structural dynamics in a homologous pair of ammonium and phosphonium based room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) have been characterized over a wide temperature range using broadband dielectric spectroscopy and quasi-elastic light scattering spectroscopy. We have found that the ionic conductivity of the phosphonium based IL is significantly enhanced relative to the ammonium homolog, and this increase is primarily a result of a lower glass transition temperature and higher ion mobility. Additionally, these ILs exhibit pronounced secondary relaxations which are strongly influenced by the atomic identity of the cation charge center. While the secondary relaxation in the phosphonium IL has the expected Arrhenius temperature dependence characteristic of local beta relaxations, the corresponding relaxation process in the ammonium IL was found to exhibit a mildly non-Arrhenius temperature dependence in the measured temperature range—indicative of molecular cooperativity. These differences in both local and long-range molecular dynamics are a direct reflection of the subtly different inter-ionic interactions and mesoscale structures found in these homologous ILs.

Cell membrane potential and inorganic ion distributions are currently viewed from a kinetic electric paradigm, which ignores thermodynamics. The resting membrane potential is viewed as a diffusion potential. The 9 major inorganic ions found in blood plasma (Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, H+, Cl-, HCO3-, H2PO4-, and HPO42-) are distributed unequally across the plasma membrane. This unequal distribution requires the energy of ATP hydrolysis through the action of the Na+-K+ ATPase. The cell resting membrane potential in each of 3 different tissues with widely different resting membrane potentials has been shown to be equal to the Nernst equilibrium potential of the most permeant inorganic ion. The energy of the measured distribution of the 9 major inorganic ions between extra- and intracellular phases was essentially equal to the independently measured energy of ATP hydrolysis, showing that the distribution of these 9 major ions was in near-equilibrium with the ΔG' of ATP. Therefore, thermodynamics does appear to play an essential role in the determination of the cell resting membrane potential and the inorganic ion distribution across the plasma membrane.-Veech, R. L., King, M. T., Pawlosky, R., Bradshaw, P. C., Curtis, W. Relationship between inorganic ion distribution, resting membrane potential, and the ΔG' of ATP hydrolysis: a new paradigm.

<p>  </p> <p>Pediatric hydrocephalus is a complex neurological condition associated with a pathological accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), typically within the brain ventricular system. Pediatric hydrocephalus can be primary (due to genetic abnormalities or idiopathic causes), or secondary to injuries such as hemorrhage, trauma, or infection. The current permanent treatment paradigms for pediatric hydrocephalus are exclusively surgical and include the diversion of CSF via shunt or ventriculostomy. These surgical interventions are wrought with failures, burdening both the United States healthcare system and patients with repeat neurosurgical procedures. Thus, the development of nonsurgical interventions to treat hydrocephalus represents a clinically unmet need. To study hydrocephalus, we use a genetic rat model of primary neonatal hydrocephalus, the <em>Tmem67</em>P394L mutant. In several proof-of-concept studies, we identify antagonism of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel and associated upstream regulatory kinase, serum-and-glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (SGK1) as therapeutics for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Using <em>in vitro</em> models of the choroid plexus epithelium, the tissue which produces CSF, we show compelling proof-of-mechanism for TRPV4 antagonism and SGK1 inhibition at preventing CSF production. Therefore, the studies in this dissertation provide substantive evidence on the role of TRPV4 in the choroid plexus in health and disease. </p>

No description available.

No description available.

<p>DH31 and drosokinin are known promoters of fluid secretion in <em>Drosophila</em> Malpighian tubules, while the effect of allatostatin A on Malpighian tubule fluid secretion is unknown. The expression of these peptides and their receptors is widespread in the larval gut and central nervous system. The scanning ion-selective electrode technique (SIET) was used to measure changes in epithelial K⁺ flux in the gut as a proxy for the flow of osmotically-obliged water between the gut lumen and the haemolymph. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effects of DH31 and drosokinin on the gut as an indicator of coordination of diuretic activity between this tissue and the Malpighian tubules. Such coordination, whereby Malpighian tubule fluid secretion is stimulated concomitantly with fluid uptake by the gut, would be physiologically essential for the maintenance of haemolymph volume and osmolarity. Secondarily, this study sought to characterize the function of allatostatin A with respect to its effect on gut K⁺ transport. DH31 stimulated K⁺ absorption across the anterior midgut epithelium and reduced K⁺ absorption in the middle midgut copper cell zone. Drosokinin increased K⁺ absorption across the anterior midgut epithelium and was also stimulatory in the posterior midgut neutral zone. Allatostatin A stimulated K⁺ absorption across the epithelia of the anterior midgut and middle midgut copper cell zone, but was inhibitory in the large flat cell zone. The larger surface area of the anterior midgut relative to the middle midgut means that all three peptides were likely net stimulators of K⁺ uptake. The reduction in K⁺ absorption in the middle midgut by DH31 and allatostatin A may relate to a redistribution of fluid uptake among the regions of the midgut to preserve lumenal pH. DH31 and drosokinin also independently increased the contraction frequency of the anterior midgut, while the contraction frequency of the pyloric sphincter was increased by combined application of both peptides. Stimulation of gut contractions has previously been attributed to these and other diuretic factors in insects. The findings of this investigation implicate DH31, drosokinin, and allatostatin A in the stimulation of midgut K⁺ absorption, which may suggest a role for these peptides in altering fluid transport across this epithelium in larval <em>Drosophila</em>.</p> / Master of Science (MSc)

The subject of this thesis is the application of magnetic resonance methods to the characterization and quantification of lithium-ion transport in a wide range of lithium-ion battery electrolyte materials relevant to the electromobility and energy storage sectors. In particular, field-gradient magnetic resonance techniques, in the form of PFG-NMR diffusivity measurements of both liquid- and solid-state electrolytes and in situ MRI of electrochemical cells, comprise the core means by which these characterizations were performed. PFG-NMR and ionic conductivity studies of a range of liquid-state electrolyte mixtures were performed, as a function of temperature, to assess how key mass and charge transport properties reflect differences in composition. In situ MRI was used to study the effect of temperature on steady-state concentration gradient formation in polarized liquid electrolytes, with the results quantitatively compared to model predictions. This approach was then extended, using a combination of MRI and spatially-resolved PFG-NMR, to study the interlinked effects of temperature and current density on concentration gradient formation, and to attempt a comprehensive characterization of the ion transport parameters with spatial resolution. Finally, PFG-NMR and MAS-NMR were applied in a solid-state electrolyte context to investigate compositional effects on ion transport in the argyrodite family of lithium-sulphide ion conductors, and the influence of macroscopic sample format (glass, crystalline powder, compressed crystalline pellet) on micro-scale ion transport in a thio-LISICON ion conductor. Taken together, the studies demonstrate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance methods for the robust elucidation of the means by which material properties impact ion transport in technologically-relevant lithium-ion electrolyte systems. / Dissertation / Doctor of Science (PhD) / Lithium-ion batteries are a critical component of the ongoing efforts to transition the global automobile fleet to electric vehicles and integrate renewable energy sources into the electricity grid. An important aspect of designing and optimizing lithium-ion batteries is a comprehensive understanding of the factors which impact the ability of the electrolyte in the battery to ferry the lithium ions from one electrode to the other, the process which enables them to release energy into the circuit to power a device. This thesis describes results obtained from measuring the diffusion of the ions within the electrolyte for both conventional liquid-state electrolytes, and emerging solid-state electrolyte materials. It also includes studies which make use of MRI to image the flow of ions within the liquid-state electrolyte of an operating battery mimic, and monitor the concentration changes of the ions across the electrolyte as a current is applied to it.

Das distale Nephron spielt eine herausragende Rolle in der Elektrolyt- und Volumenhomöostase. In jüngerer Zeit ist es gelungen einige Proteine, die entscheidend in den tubulären Natriumtransport involviert sind, zu klonieren und auf Tubulusebene zu lokalisieren. Dabei ist das Expressionsmuster dieser Proteine während der Morphogenese weitgehend unbekannt. Die vorliegende Studie beschreibt den Ablauf renaler Differenzierung durch Lokalisation von Natriumtransport-assoziierten Proteinen während der Nephrogenese in der Rattenniere. Der Expressionsnachweis des Na+-Phosphat Kotransporters Typ 2 (NaPi2), des Bumetanid-sensitiven Na+-K+-2Cl--Kotransporters (NKCC2), des Thiazid-sensitiven Na+-Cl--Kotranspor-ter (NCC), des basolateralen Na+/Ca++-Austauscher (NaCa), des epithelialen Na+-Kanals der Ratte (rENaC) und des Enzyms 11b-Hydroxysteroiddehydrogenase Typ 2 (11HSD) erfolgte mittels kombinierter RNA-In situ Hybridizierung und hochauflösender Immunhistochemie. Parallel dazu wurde die morphologische Entwicklung des distalen Nephrons analysiert, um die funktionelle Reifung mit der strukturellen Reifung korrelieren zu können. Die Expression der untersuchten Proteine begann in post-S-shaped Stadien. Die Expression von NKCC2 wurde zuerst in der Macula densa Region lokalisiert und dehnte sich später in den aufsteigenden Schenkel der Henle´schen Schleife (TAL) aus, während die Differenzierung des proximalen Teils der Henle´schen Schleife, wie durch die Expression von NaPi2 gezeigt, erst später erfolgte. NCC wurde zunächst am distalen Ende des auswachsenden distalen Konvolutes (DCT) gefunden und dehnte sich später in Richtung des Überganges zum TAL aus. Nach einer Entwicklungsperiode, in der sich die Propotionen des DCT noch verändern, zeigte sich eine Subsegmentierung des DCT in einen proximalen Teil, der NCC alleine exprimiert, und eine distalen Teil, der NCC zusammen mit NaCa exprimiert. Eine starke Expression von rENaC und 11HSD wurde im jungen Verbindungstubulus und in den Sammelrohren und später auch im distalen Segment des DCT gefunden. Anhand der gewonnenen Daten ist es gelungen, ein detailliertes Expressionsmuster für die entscheidenden Na+-Transport-assoziierten Proteine des distalen Nephrons und des Sammelrohrsystems während der Ontogenese zu erarbeiten. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, daß einerseits die strukturelle Entwicklung des Nephrons der Expression dieser Proteine bis zu einem gewissen Grad vorausgeht. Andererseits aber auch, daß die Proteinexpression teilweise deutlich vor Beginn der glomerulären Filtration startet. Hieraus ergibt sich die Möglichkeit einer speziellen Funktion der untersuchten Proteine während der Nephrondifferenzierung, die über ihre spätere Rolle als harnmodifizierende Elemente hinausgeht. Die histotopographische Darstellung der Befunde beschreibt die normale Entwicklung der Nephronreifung und bildet damit eine wichtige Grundlage für die Erforschung funktioneller und morphologischer Abweichungen in der renalen Differenzierung. / The mammalian distal nephron plays a pivotal role adjusting urinary sodium excretion. During the past several years, sites of expression of sodium transport proteins in tubules from adult kidneys have been described and correlated with functional properties. Less information is available concerning sites of expression during tubule morphogenesis. In the current studies, patterns of renal axial differentiation were defined by mapping the expression of ion transport pathways during neprhogenesis in the rat. Combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to localize the Na-Pi cotransporter type 2 (NaPi2), the bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2), the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC), the Na/Ca exchanger (NaCa), the epithelial sodium channel (rENaC), and the 11 b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11HSD). In parallel the morphologic development of the distal nephron was analyzed to correlate functional and structural properties. The onset of expression of the investigated proteins began in post-S-shape stages. NKCC2 was initially expressed at the macula densa region later extended into the nascent ascending limb of the loop of Henle (TAL), whereas differentiation of the proximal tubular part of the loop of Henle showed a comparatively retarded onset when probed for NaPi2. The NCC was initially found at the distal end of the nascent distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and later extended toward the junction with the TAL. After a period of changing proportions, subsegmentation of the DCT into a proximal part expressing NCC alone and a distal part expressing NCC together with NaCa was evident. Strong coexpression of rENaC and 11HSD was observed in early nascent connecting tubule (CNT) and collecting ducts and later also in the distal portion of the DCT. These data present a detailed analysis of the relations between the anatomic differentiation of the developing renal tubule and the expression of tubular transport proteins.

Chau Shuk Ling. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 103-115). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / DECLARATION --- p.i / ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.ii / ABBREVIATIONS --- p.iii / ABSTRACT IN ENGLISH --- p.v / ABSTRACT IN CHINESE --- p.viii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER I - --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Fluid Transport in Human Colon --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- C1' Secretion across the Colonic Epithelium --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Properties of T84 Cells --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4 --- General Introduction on Extracellular Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR) --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5 --- Molecular Structure of CaSR --- p.9 / Chapter 1.6 --- CaSR-mediated Intracellular Signaling --- p.13 / Chapter 1.7 --- Agonists of CaSR --- p.16 / Chapter 1.8 --- Functions of CaSR --- p.18 / Chapter 1.8.1 --- Homeostatic Functions of CaSR --- p.18 / Chapter 1.8.2 --- Non-Homeostatic Functions of CaSR --- p.18 / Chapter 1.9 --- Molecular and Functional Study of CaSR Expressed in Colon --- p.19 / Chapter 1.10 --- Objectives of the Present Study --- p.21 / Chapter CHAPTER II - --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter 2.1 --- Solutions and Drugs --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2 --- Cell Culture --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3 --- Western Blot --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- Simultaneous Measurement of Short-Circuit Current (Isc) and Intracellular Calcium Concentration ([Ca2+]i) --- p.27 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Measurement of Isc and Transepithelial Resistance with Ussing Chamber --- p.27 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Simultaneous Measurement of Isc and [Ca2+]i --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5 --- Measurement of Isc with Conventional Ussing Chamber --- p.32 / Chapter 2.6 --- Measurement of Intracellular cAMP Accumulation with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay --- p.34 / Chapter 2.7 --- Data Analysis --- p.34 / Chapter CHAPTER III - --- RESULTS / Chapter 3.1 --- Expression of CaSR in T84 Cell Monolayers --- p.36 / Chapter 3.2 --- Poly L-arginine Induced an Increase in Isc --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Simultaneous Measurement of Isc and [Ca2+ ]i in Response to Poly L-arginine --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Interaction Between Poly L-arginine and Forskolin --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Ionic Mechanism of Isc Stimulated by Poly L-arginine --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Involvement of C1- in Isc Stimulated by Poly L-arginine --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Involvement of Basolateral K+ Channels in Isc Stimulated by Poly L-arginine --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Signaling Pathways Underlying the Isc Response to Poly L-arginine --- p.73 / Chapter CHAPTER IV - --- DISSCUSION / Chapter 4.1 --- Presence of CaSR in T84 Cell Monolayers --- p.78 / Chapter 4.2 --- Simultaneous Measurement of Isc and [Ca2+ ]i upon Application of Poly L-arginine --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3 --- Ionic Mechanism Underlying the Increase in Isc Stimulated by Poly L-arginine --- p.87 / Chapter 4.4 --- Signaling Pathway Underlying the Action of Poly L-arginine --- p.93 / Chapter 4.5 --- Does CaSR Mediate Poly L-arginine-evoked C1- Secretion across T84 Cell Monolayers? --- p.96 / Chapter 4.6 --- Future Study --- p.101 / REFERENCES --- p.103