ConsensusPathDB: toward a more complete picture of cell biology

ConsensusPathDB is a meta-database that integrates different types of functional interactions from heterogeneous interaction data resources. Physical protein interactions, metabolic and signaling reactions and gene regulatory interactions are integrated in a seamless functional association network that simultaneously describes multiple functional aspects of genes, proteins, complexes, metabolites, etc. With 155,432 human, 194,480 yeast and 13,648 mouse complex functional interactions (originating from 18 databases on human and eight databases on yeast and mouse interactions each), ConsensusPathDB currently constitutes the most comprehensive publicly available interaction repository for these species. The Web interface at http://cpdb.molgen.mpg.de offers different ways of utilizing these integrated interaction data, in particular with tools for visualization, analysis and interpretation of high-throughput expression data in the light of functional interactions and biological pathways

The photoemission study of NdNiO3/NdGaO3 thin films, through the metal–insulator transition

International audienc

Effect of selected flavonoids on glycosaminoglycans in human skin fibroblasts

Purpose: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PG) in addition to collagen are the main components of extracellular matrix (ECM). They play an important role in intercellular communication and interactions between cells and ECM. The biological changes in ECM that occur during aging are induced by decrease in GAG biosynthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected flavonoids isolated from Cirsium palustre (L.) Scop. on GAG content in human skin fibroblasts. Materials and methods: Human skin fibroblasts were treated with eriodictyol 7-O-glucoside (C1), 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-O-glucoside (C2), scutellarein 7-O-glucoside (C3) and pedalitin (C4) at 1, 20 and 40 μM for 24 h. Concentration of GAGs in the medium was assayed using method based on their ability to bind the cationic dye 1,9- dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB). Results: C1, C2 and C4 at concentration of 20 and 40 µM significantly increased content of sulphated GAGs in the medium. In contrast, treatment of cells with compound C3 did not have a statistically significant impact on GAG level. Ascorbic acid used as a positive control at 50 µM showed no effect on GAG concentration and increased their content at 100 µM but to a much lower extent than flavonoids. Conclusion: Flavonoids C1, C2 and C4 showed greater than ascorbic acid stimulatory impact on GAGs in healthy human skin fibroblasts, demonstrating their therapeutic potential in the aging