Functions of hypocretin Apart from their primary role in the control of sleep and arousal, the hypocretins have been implicated in multiple functions including feeding and energy regulation, neuroendocrine regulation, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system control, the regulation of water balance, and the modulation of pain. A role in behaviour is also postulated. The cell bodies responsible for hypocretin synthesis are localized to the tuberal part of the hypothalamus, the so-called feeding centre. The observation that Hcrt-1 increases metabolic rate and the demonstration that insulin-induced hypoglycaemia activates up to one-third of hypocretin containing neurons has led to the suggestion that the hypocretins are mediators of energy metabolism. The neuroendocrine effects of the hypocretins include a lowering of plasma prolactin and growth hormone and an increase in the levels of corticotropin and cortisol, insulin and luteinizing hormone. Central administration of the hypocretins increases water consumption, stimulates gastric acid secretion and increases gut motility. The hypocretins increase mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate. The localization of long descending axonal projections containing hypocretin at all levels of the spinal cord suggests a role in the modulation of sensation and pain. Strong innervation of the caudal region of the sacral cord suggests a role in the regulation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic functions.
A change in the normal confirmation of a protein that results in loss of protein function is called denaturation. This can be caused by factors such as heat, pH changes, or exposure to chemicals. Denaturation disrupts the protein's structure, leading to loss of its normal biological activity.
A lack of the protein hypocretin in the hippocampus and lower thalamus is thought to be the location of the main cause of narcolepsy.
It is called protein denaturation when heat causes the protein's structure to unfold and lose its functional shape. This can result in the loss of the protein's biological activity or ability to perform its intended function.
the function of each protein is a consequence of its specific shape, which is lost when a protein becomes denatured.The shape of a protein determines its specific function within a cell. Denaturing a protein will alter its shape, thus it will no longer function.
The function of each protein is a consequence of its specific shape, which is lost when a protein denatures.
A protein cannot perform its biological function, if it is not in the correct shape. Sometimes an incorrectly folded protein will become a very dangerous toxin called a prion.
The order of amino acids in a protein is called its primary structure. This sequence is crucial for determining the protein's function and three-dimensional structure. Any alterations in the primary structure can lead to changes in the protein's properties and functions.
analysing the function of a particular protein is protein characterization.
A segment of DNA that codes for a protein is called a gene. Genes contain the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of cells in living organisms.
This statement is inaccurate. Phosphorylation refers to the addition of a phosphate group to a protein, which typically changes its conformation and function. Removing a phosphate group from a protein is called dephosphorylation and can also alter the protein's activity.
A non-working protein is typically referred to as a misfolded protein. Misfolded proteins have an altered three-dimensional structure that prevents them from carrying out their normal function in the cell.
This process is called denaturation. It can be caused by acids, bases, organic solvents, or heat. When denaturation occurs, it changes the shape of the protein. Since form follows function, a protein's function is disabled if it no longer has the form required to carry out its tasks.