Table of Contents

Viewpoints

• • Daniel Goodenough and
  • Friso Postma

  Pulse-Chase in the Light Microscope

  Mol Interv June 2002 2:132-134; doi:10.1124/mi.2.3.132
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  A recent publication by Gaietta et al. describes the real-time trafficking of connexin, and through the use of different fluors, researchers can discriminate between “older” and newly synthesized connexins. Goodenough and Postma discuss how the technique permits the visualization of dynamic building and degradation that occurs in subcellular compartments, and how the method can be used to analyze protein fates in real time.

• • Selena E. Bartlett and
  • Jennifer L. Whistler

  The Near-Death Experience of Delta Opioid Receptors Leads to New Drug Targets

  Mol Interv June 2002 2:134-136; doi:10.1124/mi.2.3.134
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  Petäjä-Repo et al. have published a recent article describing how ligands for delta opioid receptors can facilitate the maturation of delta opioid receptors at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and promote the surface expression of these receptors. Indeed, even antagonists of the receptor can promote receptor maturation. Bartlett and Whistler discuss the findings within the article and how chaperones can rescue immature receptors from proteasome-dependent degradation. Pharmacological interventions can be designed that target immature ER-bound receptors, and subsequently, facilitate their maturation or degradation to ameliorate pathological conditions associated with abnormal surface expression of receptors.

• • Peter J. Dempsey,
  • Kyle Garton,
  • and Elaine W. Raines

  Emerging Roles of TACE as a Key Protease in ErbB Ligand Shedding

  Mol Interv June 2002 2:136-141; doi:10.1124/mi.2.3.136
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  Sunnarborg et al. have published how tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE) can control the availability of transforming growth factor-α—a natural ligand for epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs)—for EGFRs located at the cell surface. Dempsey, Garton, and Raines examine the ramifications of TACE-dependent proteolytic cleavage of membrane-bound ligands on paracrine, juxtacrine, and autocrine signaling.

• • Thomas T. Su,
  • Beichu Guo,
  • and David J. Rawlings

  Emerging Roles for PKC Isoforms in Immune Cell Function

  Mol Interv June 2002 2:141-144; doi:10.1124/mi.2.3.141
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  Two publications by Mecklenbräuker et al. and Miyamoto et al. describe an essential role for protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) in the development of immune tolerance, and suggest that PKCδ also participates in mechanisms that prevent autoimmunity. Su, Guo, and Rawlings discuss these observations within the larger context of determining specific functions for individual isoforms of PKC in B and T lymphocytes, and the careful control these proteins exert in maintaining proper lymphocyte activation and tolerance.