Molecular regulation and subtype-specific effects of naringenin and naringin on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

Naringenin and naringin, bioactive flavonoids from citrus fruits, exhibit neuroprotective effects, showing promise for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, they demonstrate significant anticancer potential, modulating key signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, apoptosis, and metastasis, thus expanding their therapeutic applications in cancer treatment. These compounds interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), a class of ligand-gated ion channels critical for modulating neurotransmission within the central nervous system.

Phenethyl Acetate as an Agonist of Insect Odorant Receptor Co-Receptor (Orco): Molecular Mechanisms and Functional Insights.

The insect olfactory system is vital for survival, enabling the recognition and discrimination of a wide range of odorants present in the environment. This process is mediated by odorant receptors (Ors) and the highly conserved co-receptor Orco. Insect Ors are structurally distinct from mammalian olfactory receptors, a divergence that presents unique advantages for developing insect-specific pest control strategies.

Molecular investigation of ergot alkaloid ergotamine's modulatory effects on glycine receptors expressed in oocytes.

The relationship between oxidative stress and glycine receptors is complex, involving multiple mechanisms through which reactive oxygen species can modify glycine receptor function. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate the effects of oxidative stress on inhibitory neurotransmission in various neurological disorders. Inhibitory glycine receptors play a critical role in regulating the final grand postsynaptic potential by attenuating excitatory postsynaptic potentials through inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in postsynaptic neurons.

Subtype-selective effect and molecular regulation of celastrol and triptolide at human nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Celastrol and triptolide, bioactive compounds isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, have demonstrated significant pharmacological effects across various biological pathways, making them subjects of extensive research for potential therapeutic applications. Celastrol and triptolide are known to have therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease through neuroprotective action. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a subtype of cholinergic receptors and are ligand-gated ion channels that play an essential role in regulating synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.

Molecular Mechanisms of Nicergoline from Ergot Fungus in Blocking Human 5-HT3A Receptor.

This study investigates the modulatory effects of nicergoline, a major bioactive compound derived from ergot fungus, on the 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A (5-HT3A) receptor. Utilizing a two-electrode voltage-clamp technique, we evaluated the impact of nicergoline on the 5-HT-induced inward current (I) in 5-HT3A receptors. Our findings reveal that nicergoline inhibits I in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner.

Identification of 2,4-Di--butylphenol as a Novel Agonist for Insect Odorant Receptors.

Odorant molecules interact with odorant receptors (ORs) lining the pores on the surface of the sensilla on an insect's antennae and maxillary palps. This interaction triggers an electrical signal that is transmitted to the insect's nervous system, thereby influencing its behavior. Orco, an OR coreceptor, is crucial for olfactory transduction, as it possesses a conserved sequence across the insect lineage.