Browsing Pathways

GM2 gangliosidosis varient B or Tay-Sachs disease(TSD) is a neurodegenerative disorder which causes death in infantiles by age 5. Symptoms of TSD are present within 6 months of birth and include lack of motor development, mental retardation, seizures, and ultimately death. TSD is caused by the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides. Hexosaminadase A is the enzyme responsible for the degradation of GM2 gangliosides. It is a heterodimer made an alpha and beta subunit. The deficiency of this enzyme leads to the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in neuronal lysosomes, eventually leading to cell death

p53, named for its apparent molecular mass of 53 kilodaltons via SDS-PAGE analysis, is a protein that functions as a tumour suppressor and plays an important role in cell cycle regulation and cancer prevention. Over 50% of all cancers are theorized to involve p53-inactivating mutations. DNA damage, activated oncogenes, and oxidative stress can all produce stress signals to activate the p53 protein which is a transcriptional activator of >2500 p53-regulated genes. Activation of p53-regulated genes will lead to cellular senescence, cell cycle arrest, or apoptosis. Activated p53-regulated genes will also communicate with nearby cells for the purpose of DNA repair or feedback loop set-up that can either strengthen or weaken the stress responses of the p53 protein.

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that exerts antidepressive effects by selectively inhibiting serotonin reuptake in the brain. It does so by competing for the same binding site as serotonin on the the sodium-dependent serotonin transporter (SLC6A4). This increases the concentrations of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and reverses the state of low concentration seen in depression. Higher concentration of serotonin has also been shown to have long-term neuromodulatory effects. Binding of serotonin to certain serotonin receptors activate adenylate cyclase, which produces cAMP. cAMP activates protein kinase A which activates cAMP-responsive binding protein 1 (CREB-1). CREB-1 enters the nucleus and affects transcription of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF subsequently stimulates neurogenesis, which may contribute to the long-term reversal of depression.

Methadone exerts its analgesic by acting on the mu-opioid receptor of sensory neurons. Binding to the mu-opioid receptor activates associated G(i) proteins. These subsequently act to inhibit adenylate cyclase, reducing the level of intracellular cAMP. G(i) also activates potassium channels and inactivates calcium channels causing the neuron to hyperpolarize. The end result is decreased nerve conduction and reduced neurotransmitter release, which blocks the perception of pain signals. Methadone further acts as an antagonist at the NMDA receptor, reducting calcium influx and neuronal excitability.

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of certain cancers. Following absorption, cyclophosphamide is converted into 4-hydroxyphosphamide by a variety of cytochrome P450 isozymes in the liver. 4-Hydroxyphosphamide is more soluble than cyclophosphamide and is the primary form of the drug that is transported in blood. 4-Hydroxyphosphamide crosses the plasma membrane of the cancer cell and spontaneuosly forms aldophosphamide. This is a reversible reaction. Aldophosphamide can decompose into acrolein and phosphoramide mustard. Phosphoramide mustard is the active alkylating agent and forms alkyl adducts with DNA through a phosphoramide aziridinium intermediate. Alkylation of DNA causes DNA damage and eventually cell death.

Lidocaine exerts its local anaesthetic effect by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in peripheral neurons. Lidocaine diffuses across the neuronal plasma membrane in its uncharged base form. Once inside the cytoplasm, it is protonated and this protonated form enters and blocks the pore of the voltage-gated sodium channel from the cytoplasmic side. For this to happen, the sodium channel must first become active so that so that gating mechanism is in the open state. Therefore lidocaine preferentially inhibits neurons that are actively firing.

Clopidogrel, marketed as Plavix, is an antiplatelet drug that targets the P2Y12 receptor of platelets. Clopidogrel is taken orally as a prodrug, and must be metabolically activated before it can be effective. It first enters the liver and enters the endoplasmic reticulum where it is metabolized to form the active metabolite. First, it is catalyzed by cytochromes P450 2C19, 2B6 and 1A2 into 2-oxoclopidogrel. Secondly, it is processed by cytochromes P450 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 3A4, 3A5, and serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1 into the active metabolite of clopidogrel. The active metabolite of clopidogrel then enters the blood stream, where it binds irreversibly to the P2Y purinoreceptor 12 on the surface of platelet cells, preventing ADP from binding to and activating it. Clopidogrel prevents the activation of the Gi protein associated with the P2Y12 receptor from inactivating adenylate cyclase in the platelet, leading to a buildup of cAMP. This cAMP then activates calcium efflux pumps, preventing calcium buildup in the platelet, which would cause activation, and later, aggregation.

Fluorouracil (5-FU), sold under the brand name Adrucil among others, is a fluoropyrimidine anticancer drug. By injection into a vein, it is used to treat colon cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. As a cream, it is used for actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and skin warts. Fluorouracil is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system . Fluorouracil exerts cytotoxic effects on the cell by direct incorporation into DNA and RNA as well as by inhibiting thymidylate synthase.

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen modulator (SERM) used in the treatment of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. Tamoxifen itself only has weak anti-estrogen effects and must be converted into more active metabolites to have therapeutic activity. Metabolism takes place in the liver and is carried out primarily by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Tamoxifen is hydroxylated by CYP2D6 and demethylated by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, producing the active metabolites 4-hydroxytamoxifen and endoxifen. These metabolites inhibit estrogen binding to estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, which in turn inhibit tumour growth.

Nicotine is a stimulant drug that acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These are ionotropic receptors composed of five homomeric or heteromeric subunits. In the brain, nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on dopaminergic neurons in the cortico-limbic pathways. This causes the channel to open and allow conductance of multiple cations including sodium, calcium, and potassium. This leads to depolarization, which activates voltage-gated calcium channels and allows more calcium to enter the axon terminal. Calcium stimulates vesicle trafficking towards the plasma membrane and the release of dopamine into the synapse. Dopamine binding to its receptors is responsible the euphoric and addictive properties of nicotine. Nicotine also binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla. Binding opens the ion channel allowing influx of sodium, causing depolarization of the cell, which activates voltage-gated calcium channels. Calcium triggers the release of epinephrine from intracellular vesicles into the bloodstream, which causes vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and increased blood sugar.