Download Sinerik Ayrapetyan “Cell Hydration Variation is a Primary

Sinerik Ayrapetyan
“Cell Hydration Variation is a Primary Mechanism for Intracellular
Signaling System in Norm and Pathology”
The hydration is one of the fundamental cell parameters which is determining the functional
activity of cells by two pathways: a) “folding-unfolding” mechanisms of intracellular
macromolecules, including DNA, and b) surface-dependent regulation of the number of
functional active protein molecules (enzymes, receptors, ionic channels) in Protoplasmatic
Membrane (PM). It is known that PM is highly permeable for water. Because of the existence of
special water channels (aqua pores) in PM, the water transports through the membrane take place
much faster than predicted by simple osmotic diffusion. The transient water fluxes through PM
have strong modulation effects on membrane conductive function and changing intracellular
collective water dynamics. Therefore, the factor induced changes in cell hydration was suggested
as a primary signaling mechanism to switch on cell adaptive metabolic pathways, dysfunction of
which leads to cell pathology, including aging. By our previous study it was shown that aging–
induced depression of Ca efflux from the heart muscle and brain cells leads to decrease in
sensitivity of tissues hydration to different environmental factors because of higher intracellular
Ca-induced cytoplasma coagulation. It was suggested that age-dependent dysfunction of Na/K
ATPase catalytic α3/ α2 isoform − dependent intracellular signaling system controlling cell
hydration is responsible for age related medical disorders. The aim of the present research project
is to study the functional role of Na/K ATPase catalytic α3/ α2 isoform in Norm and Pathology.
Sinerik Ayrapetyan,
Chairholder of UNESCO Chair-Life Sciences International Postgraduate Educational Center
31 Acharian St., Yerevan, 0040, Armenia
Tel: +374 10 624170/612461
Fax: +374 10 624170
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.biophys.am